Tour of Britain 2013: Stage five info

Stage five

Stage five sees the race take in its now traditional visit to Caerphilly, which returns for the third consecutive year after two memorable visits in 2011 and 2012.

The double ascent of the famous-for-its-cheese town’s Caerphilly Mountain, introduced last year, is included once again to ensure the final 15 kilometres of the stage are particularly tough.

Not that the 165 north-to-south kilometres that precede it are particularly pleasant. Spectacular though the scenery may be, the route is undulating throughout, even if only two climbs (Cwm Owen and Brecon Beacon) are categorised.

However, the peloton is likely to be gruppo compatto when it reaches the stage’s showpiece climb in Caerphilly. The short but steep hill is where Jonathan Tiernan-Locke first made a name for himself in 2011, and last year he attacked on its slopes to put himself into the leader’s jersey.

In his absence, the huge crowds that will assemble on the town’s showpiece hill will provide the backdrop upon which the new King of Caerphilly Castle will be crowned.